Jammu, Feb 6 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced a capital allocation of ₹109 crore for the Culture Department in the Jammu and Kashmir Budget 2026–27, underscoring the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the Union Territory’s rich cultural and heritage legacy.
As per news agency JKNS, while presenting the Budget in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that his government accords high priority to the conservation, restoration and promotion of cultural and heritage assets, which form the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s identity, history and tourism potential.
CM Omar Abdullah informed the House that during 2026–27, all ongoing projects under Phase-I of the Heritage Revival, Restoration and Maintenance Scheme will be completed, while the execution of approved works under Phase-II and Phase-III will be fast-tracked. He added that heritage conservation will be comprehensively expanded across Jammu and Kashmir, including the execution of Tourism Department heritage projects and the value-based restoration of the Mughal-era Nishat Garden in Srinagar.
The Chief Minister further proposed expediting the modernisation of the SPS Museum and strengthening and upgrading the public library network across the Union Territory. He also announced the establishment of new Cultural Centres at Bandipora, Shopian, Anantnag, Kishtwar, Udhampur, Poonch and Budgam to promote inclusive cultural infrastructure at the district level.
Additionally, CM Omar Abdullah said enhanced budgetary support will be extended to the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to encourage youth participation through cultural programmes and national initiatives, ensuring that the region’s cultural heritage remains vibrant, accessible and future-oriented. (JKNS)
